In this powerful episode of Lead The Pack Podcast, Joe Dickinson sits down with retired Navy veteran Anthony DeNardo to talk about military life, PTSD, service dogs, rescue dogs, and finding purpose again through dog training.

Anthony shares the emotional story behind meeting his first service dog, Rosie, after reaching one of the darkest moments of his life. What started as survival turned into a mission to help veterans and first responders through dogs, training, and community support.

This episode dives into:
• Transitioning out of the military
• PTSD and the unseen role of service dogs
• How dogs help veterans reconnect with the world
• The parallels between military discipline and dog training
• Ruby the rescue baseball dog’s incredible journey
• Building service dog programs for veterans and first responders
• Joe Dickinson’s turning point into becoming a dog trainer

This conversation is raw, honest, emotional, and inspiring. Whether you are a veteran, dog trainer, dog owner, or someone looking for purpose after hardship, this episode will stay with you.

🎙️ Listen now and follow the journey.

Apply to Western States K-9 College:
https://www.westernstatesk9college.com/admissions

#LeadThePackPodcast #WSK9CO #DogTraining #ServiceDogs #Veterans

In this episode of Lead The Pack Podcast, Joe sits down with Tessa, owner of Connecting Canine, to discuss what it really looks like to step into the dog training industry.

Tessa shares how adopting a challenging, fear-aggressive dog led her into training, and how she eventually built her own business—despite self-doubt, starting over in a new area, and navigating the challenges of building trust in today’s social media-driven world.

This conversation breaks down:
• The mindset shift required to start
• Why most people wait too long
• The importance of realistic expectations in dog training
• How to build confidence through action
• The role of mentorship, feedback, and community in becoming a professional

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re ready to become a dog trainer—the answer is simpler than you think.

Start.

Apply to Western States K-9 College:
https://www.westernstatesk9college.com/admissions

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#wsk9co #leadthepack #dogtrainingcareer #dogtrainerlife #westernstatesk9college

In this powerful student spotlight episode of Lead The Pack Podcast: The Blueprint for Professional Dog Trainers, Joe sits down with Western States K-9 College student Mario Sparto to unpack what it really takes to transition from passionate dog lover to professional dog trainer.

Mario shares his six-year background in foster and rescue work — bringing more than 50 dogs through his home in a single year — and the defining moment that pushed him to stop giving everything away for free and start investing in himself. What began as rescue work evolved into a calling, and ultimately, a commitment to professional development.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• The biggest misconception about becoming a professional dog trainer
• Why training dogs is the easy part — and people are the real challenge
• The mindset shift from luring behavior to true communication
• How slowing down changed everything
• The emotional weight of fostering and letting go
• The moment Mario knew he had become a professional
• What truly separates hobbyists from professionals in this industry

Mario also shares the story of a long-term foster dog who transformed from fearful and reactive to walking calmly through public spaces — a parallel journey to his own growth as a trainer.

This episode is about leadership, ownership, self-worth, and building a career that sustains both your passion and your livelihood. If you are serious about stepping into dog training as a profession — not just a hobby — this conversation will resonate deeply.

If you are where Mario was one year ago — uncertain but serious — this episode is your reminder: the only thing standing between where you are and where you want to be is the decision to invest in yourself.

WSK9CO — Lead The Pack.